Living in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized areas in the Philippines is extremely stressful. Bumper-to-bumper traffic, undisciplined motorists, unruly pedestrians, defiant vendors, and even stray dogs are just a few toxic realities that we encounter every day. There are a lot more pressing issues that easily become part of our daily routine, and knowing how to handle them accordingly may be your key to a better, healthier life.

Experts in psychology say that stress can be managed or minimized. After all, life is a matter of choice. In this case, would you agree that the car you drive can also trigger stress?

Imagine yourself driving a sports car in heavy traffic. As you burn hours in gridlock, you start to feel as if the car’s low ceiling is slowly caving in. Or maybe you have a massive SUV—which gives you a headache every time you have to park it in a tight basement slot. Also, if you have a luxury car, will you let your kid drive it to run an errand just around the block—in an area that’s notorious for carjacking or kidnapping? See, having too much in life oftentimes lead to paranoia.

On the other hand, there are cars that keep you calm and provide you the simple pleasures of life. I realized this during my three-week test drive of the Toyota Yaris.

Unlike its Vios twin, the Yaris is always underrated and ignored. Many see it as a four-wheeler with no other mission than to shuttle people from points A to B. Nothing more, nothing less. But I believe it has more to offer.

Being a Toyota, the Yaris is known to be a dependable commuter with simple yet functional features. While its competitors are now equipped with modern push-button A/C controls, it still boasts old-school knobs for the aircon. These are the type of knobs that you don’t have to worry about when you accidentally smudge them with ketchup or chocolate syrup while driving. Dig what I mean? The multimedia system is also safe from this sort of abuse, because there are volume and tuning controls mounted on the steering wheel. In case water penetrates the controls’ tiny slits, just blow on it and it shouldn’t be an issue.

IMAGE Vincent Coscolluela

I’m not a big fan of high-end leather seats. Yes, they look fabulous, but you’ll have to empty your pockets to repair them in case they get damaged with a sharp object. With the Yaris, I wouldn’t mind my children resting their feet on its durable fabric seats, which are easy to clean and maintain. When my kids were relaxing in the Yaris, I noticed that they share more worthwhile thoughts. These positive vibes are priceless on long journeys.

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Powered by a 1.5-liter engine that makes a modest 106hp, the Yaris gives the impression that it’s born to cruise and not to race. Floor the pedal and you get acceleration that is responsive, but far from being wild. Embedded in the instrument panel is a green ‘Eco’ light that reminded me to take it easy on the gas to obtain maximum fuel economy.

With that serving as my guide, the Yaris averaged 9.6km/L in city driving. Not bad at all for an automatic variant. After an end-to-end run on the SLEX and the STAR Tollway, the posted fuel consumption was an amazing 15.6km/L. Just be gentle on the pedal, and you’ll get fair returns.

The SLEX and the STAR Tollway are my proving grounds for a car’s aerodynamics. Despite being small, the Yaris remained stable in the face of strong crosswinds. A storm was brewing in the Southern Luzon area that day, but there was no need to panic. I stayed mostly within the Yaris’s comfortable cruising range of 100-110kph. Steering feel became lighter as I gained speed; I kept my hands firmly placed on the three and nine o’clock positions of the steering wheel. Braking modulation was superb, being neither sticking nor spongy. It paved the way for my smooth drive on twisties and rolling hills.

That powerplant is capable of pulling the entire weight of the vehicle and five adults on uphill sections. When I sensed that the transmission was already gear-hunting, I shifted from automatic to manual mode through the J-gate. This was when I began to miss the Honda Jazz’s paddle shifters. But I didn’t mind as much when I saw my family sleeping soundly in the car. There’s more than enough space inside this subcompact than I had previously perceived.

Also, knowing that this is a Toyota, I could take comfort from the fact that parts are available everywhere. I have a brother I regularly visit in Rosario, Batangas. This is the reason I’m more inclined to drive a car that’s functional, rather than one of those ostentatious sedans packed with electronics, which I often worry about during long-distance trips. This car? There’s no babying it. I was even able to load sacks of veggies and fruits into the rear cargo space, which can be expanded by putting down the 60/40 split-folding seats.

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My wife got to drive the Yaris on the busy streets of Metro Manila, too. It’s impressive all-around visibility allowed her to maneuver it into tight gaps and parking spaces with ease. There’s no proximity sensor or reversing camera, but the subcompact dimensions make it easy to drive.

IMAGE Vincent Coscolluela

I always make it a point to personally wash a test unit before I drive it all day long. Aside from burning extra calories, it also allows me to have a closer look at the car’s details. I got to admire the Yaris’s stylish grille, sleek headlamps, and elegant taillights up close. Even the alloys go well with the exterior. This is a decent-looking car that deserves to be given equal treatment with the Vios—after all, it drives like the Vios.

Hey, Toyota! Why not come up with a Yaris Cup? Let’s see which car performs better on the track—and also which looks more appealing with the TRD kit and racing decals.

I see nothing lavish or loud about the Yaris. The gasoline boys do not even bother to look at it while filling up the tank. But for as long as this car serves me to the fullest, I’m relieved of stress. What more can I ask for?

Good day Topgear. I'm wondering if you can share some thoughts on this. Are major car dealerships (like Honda, Toyota & others) obligated to provide towing services for vehicle units under full warranty which are confirmed to be a legitimate car or parts failure?
Thank you.

Alchemy07:

Hi TopGear, What's the best luxury diesel SUV from your end with a budget of 5M max?

jcheavens58:

Good day TopGear. Newbie here. I would like to know if all Premium gasoline in the Philippines today are also unleaded? And please enlighten if filling up my car with Premium gasoline(XCS/Blaze/VPower) instead of the manufacturer's recommended Unleaded RON 91 gasoline would do harm or damage to the engine?

ronnieb.:

good day top gear ph. when is the right time/kms reading that i go to reputable car shop instead of casa for the servicing? my vehicle needs to go to 25k kms service. thank you in advance

rain.bason:

Hi Top Gear PH, I want to seek your opinion and expertise about some issue on my car but I'm not sure how can I send it over to you. Is there an email address that I can email with?

carnuts888:

Good Day,
I would like to know why KIA does not sell here the Kia Ray sold in South Korea and also why Toyota does not sell here the toyota tank and Daihatsu Thor offered in Japan. I think there would be buyers here for these models if they bring it in.

markvibar78:

Wow why is it if their is a new model from mitsubishi or toyota they always have an immediate counter part. Like the MitsuExpander then now this toyota rush.

jedidiah08:

Hi Top Gear ATTN: Botchi Santos,
Me and my mom are planning to buy a PPV SUV this December, I'm very much excited to acquire one, but I really need more advise than ever, because buying a vehicle is not a joke, my choices are the Mitsubishi Montero 2017 GLX M/T, Isuzu MU-X 2.5 LS-A M/T, Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.5 MT LT, and the Ford Everest 2.2 Ambiente M/T, I'm a fan of Manual, and I'm also aiming for the Base Variants because they are cheaper, what would you suggest from the above Units, in

@Cyverwin, if you want the X1 you already have a winner for yourself, since the X1 is a good product from BMW and the XV is also a good product too that also has plenty of goodies to start, afterall, it's brand preference and what you really like.